MSc- Dissertation on hovercraft and paramotor disturbance to waterbirds

Transcription

1 MSc- Dissertation on hovercraft and paramotor disturbance to waterbirds By Aniko Gaal Supervisor: Malcolm Hudson A three-dimensional Review of the Impacts of Hovercrafts and Paramotors on Water Birds

2 Background - Increase in recreational hovercraft and paramotor activities in the Solent à High risk activity that can impact waterbirds negatively (Hypothesis) task: To test the hypothesis and increase the evidence base BUT - Little room for scientific study

3 Introduction 1) Literature review - Similar to that of the Foot Print Ecology for the Solent Disturbance project 2) Wetland survey - Ramsar site managers, NGOs and others involved - Within the UK and Europe (Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, N. Germany, S. Sweden) 3) Monitoring the EA Hovercraft Survey - Organised by the Langstone Harbour Board and Chichester Harbour Conservancy

4 Methodology Survey sent to relevant personnel Correspondences found via Google search

5 Methodology- EA Hovercraft Survey From Louise MacCallum

6 Results- Literature Review Review of Impacts on Waterbirds and their Habitat from Jet-skis and Hovercraft Department of Natural Resources & Environment, Australia Loud noise, high speed, sudden turns Hovercrafts Loud noise, resemblance to predatory birds Paramotors Primary sales are increasing (Burger 2000), while the natural environment is only of a great concern to 15% of users ( Whitfield, 2007) Seasonal activity (Davenport, 2004 Burger, 1998)

7 Results- Wetland Survey -Open questions- 51% Response rate 71% of Ramsar sites of the UK Hovercraft and/ or paramotor are present on 27 sites (26% n=104) On 6 sites they are not an issue

8 Results continued On 21 sites hovercrafts and paramotors are or were an issue

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10 Current methods to reduce disturbance Human disturbance is recognised as a growing problem 7% (n=104) of the sites using zonation and byelaws to prevent/ reduce disturbance by hovercrafts. 1 site suggest 500m buffer for aircrafts (except helicopters; 1000m) No specific management plans for hovercrafts and paramotors In general: Seasonal Facilities (April- September) near over wintering birds Management of access points Discouraging putting birds to flight Leaflets to highlight sensitivity

11 Results- International survey Response rate of 0-40% Contacting individuals is difficult, instead higher organisations were contacted. Belgium Sweden Netherlands Germany

12 ssumptions based on the EA hovercraft survey irds in the study were roosting/ feeding in larger mixed groups, hen subject to stimuli some species sensitivity was shown. Greater variability in ngle species Mixed waders were found to be more sensitive (greater displacement) revious observation: Batten (1997) found larger flocks are more sensitive than smaller groups of birds On average no birds present within 200m of craft

13 Discussion Literature review - Very little recorded information on disturbance by hovercrafts or paramotors - Existing papers suggest loud noise, high speed, sudden turns and resemblance to predators are highly disturbing - Sales of crafts increasing - Seasonal activities - Big drop in numbers in eight of the main wading bird species over 10 years in the UK (Davies, 2014). Significant and consistent population drop. Several factors. Reasons are not yet understood

14 Discussion continued. Main issue - Definition of disturbance; Example: definition used in the draft Hovercraft Environmental Impact Assessment defines disturbance as the abandonment of good grounds for poor grounds by a local population. - Bias towards direct disturbance Easier to detect and quantify

15 Discussion Wetland Survey - Good network of wetland managers with excellent knowledge of their area and problems birds face. Very keen and approachable. - Different strategies - Management of hovercraft is easier - Paramotor disturbance is more common - Paramotors are difficult to track- Registering them might help

16 Discussion Hovercraft Survey - Excellent primary data - Numerous variables as it was a one-time observation - Buffer distances of 500m will make most harbours unable to host hovercrafts during low tide.

17 Recommendations for future management - Including legislation brochures and local bird data in the training package provided during hovercraft and paramotor training, or as online PDFs - Registering paramotors should effectively reduce incidents. - Education and raising awareness - If disturbances become more intensive and frequent, changes in legislation may be necessary Respondents considered an increase in the activities in the future which along with existing literature and data makes hovercrafts and paramotors worthy of management.

18 Conclusion As many respondents considered an increase in the activities in the future which along with existing literature and data makes hovercrafts and paramotors worthy of management.

19 Thank you for the opportunity provided and for all the help received along the way. I ve thoroughly enjoyed the experience and hope project will be of use!

20 Questions?

21 This data holds true for sites with no previous hovercra4 ac5vity, or very minimal (1-2/ year) when the hovercra4 is driven in a controlled manner with no sudden changes in speed or direc5on.